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County Commission recruiting animal policy advisers

Port Orchard — The County Commission is establishing a citizens’ advisory committee to provide recommendations regarding animal control and animal welfare services in unincorporated Kitsap County.

The commission is establishing the commitee in response to reduced revenues that have led to a series of cuts in county programs, including animal control services.

These reductions resulted in modifications to the county’s contract with the Kitsap Humane Society.

“As revenues are unlikely to keep up with costs of salaries and other expenses at the humane society, the Board of County Commissioners is interested in public discussion of animal control and animal welfare responsibilities,” according to a county press release.

The committee will consist of nine members, non-compensated. The board is seeking applicants with expertise in animal welfare, veterinary care, large organization budgeting, law enforcement or code implementation.

The committee will meet twice monthly through May to discuss the requirements of state law and county code regarding animal control services; challenges in the provision of animal control and animal welfare services on a countywide level; techniques of other jurisdictions; costs of specific animal welfare services; and direct and indirect public benefits of each service.

Through these discussions, the committee will provide recommendations to the board. These recommendations will be considered by the board during the 2014 budget discussion, beginning in summer.

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